My brother is buying a new runabout, and is looking for something in the 18' range. what is the best bang for his buck, he needs new because he sucks at fixing anything and needs a warranty.

heres what he looked at

Bayliner 185 with a 4.3 (190hp)

Tahoe Q4-L with a 4.3 (220hp)

Sea Ray 180 (or 185) with a 4.3

What boat is the best option for him. He is in Phoenix AZ. Anyone have a hookup for a dealer around there?

What kind of price rang is he looking at?

http://www.regalboats.com/viewBoat/i...900%20Bowrider
Take a look at Regal boats. Nice quality and they make a 19' "1900".

I currently have a 21' Ebbtide that is ten years old and still looks new. Here is the link to the smallest 18 footer they make. The boat is hand laid and built very solid.

http://www.ebbtideboats.com/180/

Also this boat is available with either a 3.0 or 4.3 liter Volvo or merc. drives. This link will allow you to custom build one.

http://www.ebbtideboats.com/build/b_002.asp

I bought a 19 ft. Hurricane deck boat for the little local lake. I have been having a blast with it. Great for skiing, tubing, etc. Great floor plan.

One more link...

http://s55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Anch=imgAnch16

I used to have a 93' 18' EBBTIDE 182 SE. With the yamaha (merc) 3.0 It would go approx 41mph and rode like a 22 footer. Highly reccomended!

Quite honestly, all 3 are junk...but they do come with a warranty. I would look hard at Regals or Chapparrals. More importantly I would use the dealer that provides the best customer service.

Consider Glastron. We sold them from 1966 till 1997. Good boats,good people,good price. The Bayliner is made in Mexico,enough said.